[NTLUG:Discuss] Re: software engineer? -- Technicians don't understand what Engineers do

[Greg Edwards]

Kevin Hulse wrote:
> 
> In general, computer science is a newer discipline
> that hasn't been held to any real standards regarding
> end results. This is far more interesting then whether
> or not the daily routine of a Senior Systems Analyst
> is 
> similar (or dis-similar) to that of a Senior
> Mechanical Engineer.
> 

Actually the issue of being held accountable for the end results has 
been better established than most people in our industry realize.

When you work as a Consultant or Contractor E&O (Errors and Omissions) 
insurance is an issue.  If you work for a consulting agency, as a W2 
employee, they carry the insurance for you.  As an independent you have 
to carry your own.  When you work for a company the liability falls 
under the product sold by the company.

One of the major problems with the arguments made about registering 
Software Engineers and applying a licensing mechanism like other 
Engineering disciplines is that software design is not a static process. 
  Every solution has the potential to be unique and new so it doesn't 
fit in a box of rules like doing a stress analysis on a bridge.

Computer Science is older than Software Engineering as a recognized 
discipline and you'll find that most Software Engineers, that have been 
at this for more than 7-8 years, have a Computer Science base.  Computer 
Scientists that wanted to do algorithm research and theory followed the 
R&D tract and those that wanted to apply followed the engineering tract.

-- 
Greg Edwards

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